Search Results
Morphological traits were examined in an F3 generation derived from a cross between C. lanatus var. lanatus [(Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] and C. lanatus var. citroides. At least three genes, C (yellow) vs. c (red), i (inhibitory to C) vs. I (non-inhibitory to C), and y (yellow) vs. yw (white), with epistatic and inhibitory actions were found to govern the inheritance of fruit flesh color. The high frequency of yellow-fleshed fruit and low frequencies of white and red fruits can be explained by the presence of a new allele (yw recessive to y) in the multiple allele series at the Y locus. The low frequency of tan colored seeds in segregating populations could be explained by at least three genes governing inheritance of seed-coat color. Single factor analysis of variance was conducted for each pairwise combination of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) locus and fruit or seed characteristics. Several RAPD loci were identified to be loosely linked to morphological characteristics.
In 1995, we compared the horticultural characteristics of one Phytophthora blight, one cucumber mosaic virus, and 12 bacterial leaf spot–resistant varieties to two popular commercial peppers in a replicated trial at the University of Connecticut. Fruit were graded for size and shape and yields were separated into early and late-season harvests. Other parameters measured were plant height, canopy width, and fruit wall thickness, length to diameter ratio, number, weight, and the percent marketable. Unreplicated demonstration plantings with three or four resistant varieties each were conducted at 12 commercial farms in 1994–95 and at the university's research farm in 1994. Several resistant varieties were judged to be equal or superior to the two popular cultivars based on a combination of characteristics, including observations on disease susceptibility at local farms. Resistant varieties recommended for New England conditions include Boynton Bell (Harris Moran), King Arthur and PSX 271092 (Petoseed), Admiral and Reinger (Roger NK).
Abstract results showed that many germplasms of P. Armeniaca. P. persica and a few germplasms of P. Salicina had immersed into those of P. mume. Some cultivars (strains) possessed species characteristics coming from 2 or 3 of the 3 species in a single plant. All of the plants tested were transition types of the related varieties such as var. bungo and so on. Some new characteristics of P. mume were found in a few strains. The resources were classified into highly, mediumly and lightly backcrossed types. The mean yield index and fruit weight of highly back-crossed type (HB) were significantly higher than those of the other 2 types. The setting rate of HB was higher and significantly higher than that of lightly and mediumly type, respectively. There were no significant differences in mean bitter index and flower index among them.
Several salt marsh functions were found to be directed by the genotype of the vascular plant. Tissue culture regenerants of Distichlis spicata and Sporobolus virginicus, along with plants from natural populations of these species, were compared in a common garden study. Significant differences among genotypes were found in several characteristics of importance in the functioning of the salt marsh food web. Specifically, potential detritus production, belowground organic matter production, and canopy structure were affected. Selections from five morphologically distinct populations of Spartina patens, including one tissue culture regenerant, also maintained differences in a common marsh setting. In a newly created salt marsh near Lewes, Dela., three populations of short-form Spartina alterniflora from different latitudes (Massachusetts, Delaware, and Georgia) were planted. After 5 years in the new site, the plants maintained distinct morphologies characteristic of plants at their site of origin; e.g., aboveground biomass, canopy structural characteristics, and root and rhizome biomass, composition, and distribution. The magnitude of marsh functional processes associated with the latitude of the population source persisted in the created wetland. The edaphic algal community, the activity of the aerial microbial decomposers, and the edaphic community respiration were significantly influenced by vascular plant genotype in the created marsh, and they reflected the values characteristic of these functions at the latitude of origin of the vascular plants. Indications are that higher trophic levels may also be affected. In creating new wetlands, this plant genetic variation can be used to accentuate different functions, thus optimizing wetland values on the specific site and at the landscape ecology scale.
The genetically available range in tree fruit architecture has not been fully utilized for tree fruit breeding or production. Higher planting densities, new training systems, high coats of pruning, the need to eliminate ladders in the orchard, and mechanized harvesting require a re-evaluation of tree architecture. Dwarf, semidwarf, columnar, and spur-type trees may be more efficient than standard tree forms, especially when combined with specific production systems. Studies of the growth of novel tree types and elucidation of the inheritance of growth habit components may allow breeders to combine canopy growth characteristics to produce trees tailored to evolving production systems.
A new method was developed to analyze genetic diversity among Petunia species. The first intron of the chalcone synthase A gene was cloned through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and partially sequenced. This sequence was used to dissect the intron into two halves (3' and 5' halves). The PCR primers for the 5' half amplified a single fragment that was the same length for all of the species that were studied. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the 5' half resulted in the same number and length of fragments for all the species that were evaluated. The PCR primers for the 3' half amplified a number of fragments that were characteristic for each species. This research provides a new tool for measuring genetic diversity. Genetic diversity measured with this tool should be closely related to evolutionary distance.
Tissue culture labs based in countries with high labor costs are becoming more dependent on proprietary plants. This has increased the necessity of high profile plant breeding programs. Foliage and flowering plant breeding programs have evolved rapidly to take advantage of the benefits associated with tissue culture labs.
Breeding strategies and methods will be discussed on existing flowering and foliage programs for Anthuriums, Euphorbia, Aloe, Spathiphyllum, Homalomena, and Dieffenbachia. Embryo rescue in the lab has increased the survival of wide crosses from different species within a genera. Rapid multiplication of selected clones has increased the efficiency of screening for disease and insect resistance in the selection of new cultivars. Marketing, along with improved horticultural characteristics, determine the success of new releases.
This study was carried out to prove the new variety's originality by using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Analysis and to develope the specific markers for distinction new variety from others to database for improving the efficiency of germplasm conservation. The RAPD procedure was used to determine genetic diversity of 13 potato varieties including seven recommended varieties of Korea and six genotypes. Genomic DNAs from the 13 genotypes were amplified using PCR and URP 2F, 4R and 8R primers. URP primers which were 20-mers were received from NIAST (National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Suwon, Korea) and they were shown very high reproducibility because of the high annealing temperature above 55 °C. So, they were known to be very desirable primers to examine the specificity between inter and intra species in various spectra. These 13 lines have many resemblances in plant characteristics each other because `Jopung', '92N09-6', `Daekwan 68', and `Daekwan 70' were originated from `Superior', `Atlantic', `Namsuh', and `Irish Cobbler' respectively. So, there are many difficulties to distinct new variety by the naked eye. The results of this study show that 2 sets of URP primers are very useful to distinct new variety and mutants from others.
One of the major steps in responding to imminent water shortages in the Middle East is improving water use efficiency. Drought-resistant crops would be an effective technology to curb rising demands of water. Columnar Cactus species characteristics fit with most of the requirements of a drought tolerant crop with very high water-use efficiency. Cereus cacti have physiological and morphological methods of exploiting environments that would soon desiccate other plants. Four Cereus species were introduced into UAE deserts and could be ideal for establishing crop plantations in the arid environment. The introduced fruiting cacti are Cereus hexagonus, C. pachanoi, C. peruvianus, and C. validus. Plants were propagated by cuttings in the greenhouse. Cuttings developed roots within 2*&8211;4 weeks of planting. The propagated plants were acclimatized and transplanted into the field in the desert. C. peruvianus was the most promising in the new environment in terms of its high adaptability and healthy growth in the new environment. C. pachanoi grew very fast, averaging up to a fifteen centimeter a month of new growth. C. pachanoi was recommended as a rootstock for other species. C. validus could not survive the new environment.
Determining consumer preferences for specific plant attributes and plant use can assist in the development of breeding program objectives and marketing strategies. Consumers in Ames, Iowa participated in an intercept-survey to determine their knowledge of, use of, and preference for several varieties of New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens × hawkeri). Of the population surveyed, 44% had never seen New Guinea Impatiens. Of those that had previously purchased New Guineas, 40% purchased their plants from a retail greenhouse. Outdoor container plantings were the preferred use of New Guinea Impatiens. Mother's Day was chosen by 88% of the respondents as the most appropriate holiday for a gift purchase. Considering plant characteristics, consumers rated condition of the plant as the most important attribute, followed by flower color, flower number, and price. Consumers were asked to rate plants on display comprised of three factors: flower color, leaf variegation, and price. MANOVA was used to determine the most important factor and the trade-off consumers made when expressing a preference for one plant over another.